Mirror Movable Relative To Support Patents (Class 359/872)
  • Patent number: 11977223
    Abstract: An optical unit includes: a base which includes a main surface; a mirror device which includes a movable mirror portion and is disposed on the base; a frame member that is provided on the main surface so as to surround the mirror device; and a window member that is bonded to the frame member and has a flat plate shape. The frame member includes a first wall portion which is provided on the main surface and includes a first top surface on the side opposite to the main surface, a second wall portion which is provided on the main surface so as to face the first wall portion and includes a second top surface on the side opposite to the main surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2023
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: HAMAMATSU PHOTONICS K.K.
    Inventors: Yuki Morinaga, Anna Yoshida, Yoshihisa Warashina
  • Patent number: 11975655
    Abstract: A single arm telescoping mirror apparatus comprising a mirror base and mirror head. In one embodiment, a mirror base having a wear plate secured to a single support arm which frictionally engages a single telescoping tube of the mirror head. Furthermore, a mirror base having a roller assembly which frictionally engage the inner wall of a single telescoping tube of the mirror head. Frictional forces created minimize the telescopic or vibrational movement of the mirror head during use of a vehicle. In another aspect, a wear plate is secured to a single telescoping tube while, roller assemblies are attached to a support arm which frictionally engage ridges of the telescoping tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: SMR Patents S.à.r.l.
    Inventors: Gary Sinelli, Paul Henion
  • Patent number: 11958412
    Abstract: A structure and method for mounting a flag-type side mirror securely fastens the flag-type side mirror on a door panel of a vehicle. The method includes: passing a wiring mounted to the flag-type side mirror through through-holes formed in an outer belt rail, a quadrant reinforce, and an inner panel of the door; placing the flag-type side mirror at a position to be installed; arranging a mirror neck of the flag-type side mirror to abut on the quadrant reinforce through an outer panel of the door; passing a fastening member through the outer belt rail and the quadrant reinforce; and fastening the fastening member to an end of the mirror neck by operating a tool in a direction from inside to outside of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Je-Won Choi
  • Patent number: 11958607
    Abstract: A support configured to be reversibly installed on an upper part of an uncovered backrest of a seat. The support includes a plate configured to bear, completely or partly, against a rear face of the backrest, three clamping mechanisms, a Li-Fi technology data communicator connected to the plate, and a connector. Each clamping mechanism includes a bearing member and a clamping screw that are configured to cooperate with the plate so as to clamp a structural frame of the backrest between the bearing member and the plate. The connector being connected to the data communicator by a cable and being connectable an electronic equipment item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: LATELEC
    Inventors: Bastien Puertolas, Jérémy Pisanu
  • Patent number: 11953811
    Abstract: An adjustment support assembly and a surveillance camera are provided. The adjustment support assembly includes a first shell, a second shell, a first ball head, a second ball head, and a ball head connecting rod. The first ball head and the second ball head are fixed at two ends of the ball head connecting rod, respectively. The first shell is provided therein with a first ball head fixing portion, and the first ball head is rotatably arranged in the first ball head fixing portion. The second shell is provided therein with a second ball head fixing portion, and the second ball head is rotatably arranged in the second ball head fixing portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shouze Zhang
  • Patent number: 11951908
    Abstract: In at least one embodiment, an exterior rearview winglet assembly for a vehicle is provided. The assembly includes an exterior shell, a base bracket, a first housing, a finisher, and a first electrical device. The exterior shell includes a first side orientated toward a front of the vehicle and a second side orientated toward a rear of the vehicle. The base bracket is positioned in the exterior shell to couple the exterior shell to the vehicle. The first housing is positioned in the exterior shell. The finisher is being attached to the first housing and extending from at least a portion of the exterior shell at the second side of the exterior shell. The first electrical device is directly attached to the first housing and the first electrical device is independent of attachment to the finisher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: Ficosa North America Corporation
    Inventors: Vishal Bhaskar, Ricardo Alberto Peña Garza, Bruno Lescroart, Gouthama Reddy Bondalapati
  • Patent number: 11944182
    Abstract: Disclosed is an invention in the field of cosmetic mirrors. The present invention particularly relates to a portable makeup mirror device comprising a first mirror, a second mirror, and a third mirror, each of varying mirror magnification factors, being supported by a freestanding frame, said makeup mirror device having the first mirror and second mirror pivoting and upwardly removed from the mirror housing in opposite directions, and once fully deployed are located on opposing sides of the mirror housing central aperture showing a third mirror fixed within the mirror housing. The freestanding frame has a base and a support member having a plurality of pivots for adjusting the base and mirror assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: AT LASTI MAKEUP MIRROR, LLC
    Inventors: Rebecca Long, Glen Clifton, Curt Stewart
  • Patent number: 11926261
    Abstract: In a door mirror device for a vehicle, when a driving body is moved rotationally towards an upper side, a gear plate is moved towards a lower side so that urging force applied from a coil spring to the driving body is decreased. In contrast, when the driving body is moved rotationally towards the lower side, the gear plate is moved towards the upper side so that the urging force applied from the coil spring to the driving body is increased. As a result, it is possible to reduce a difference between a load that is applied in order to move the driving body rotationally towards the upper side and the load that is applied in order to move the driving body rotationally towards the lower side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOKAI-RIKA-DENKI-SEISAKUSHO
    Inventors: Masahiro Kondo, Shigeki Yoshida
  • Patent number: 11926262
    Abstract: Adjusting instrument for an exterior vision unit for a vehicle, comprising a base, a foot and a pivoting shaft extending therefrom along a longitudinal axis, and a housing surrounding the pivoting shaft and pivotable around the longitudinal axis in an adjustment range, between at least a park position and a work position. The base and the housing cooperate via cams which interlock in the work position so that the housing is in a stable axial ground position with respect to the foot. The cams, upon pivoting of the housing relative to the base, move apart from the work position along the longitudinal axis, and upon further pivoting are supported on each other, so that the housing is in an axially further removed position with respect to the foot. The adjusting instrument is provided with a detector configured to verify that the housing is in the stable axial ground position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: MCi (Mirror Controls International) Netherlands B.V.
    Inventors: Rudolf Pieter Hoogenboom, Jannick Daniël Wijntjes, Jeyakrishna Sridhar
  • Patent number: 11878628
    Abstract: The present disclosure refers to a retainer assembly adapted to be installed between a base assembly of an exterior rear view device and a vehicle to which the exterior rear view device is mounted, the retainer assembly, comprising a retainer means adapted to be mounted on one side to a door attachment portion of a base frame of the base assembly and on the opposite side to a door panel of the vehicle, wherein the retainer means is provided with at least one opening for allowing at least one datum structural element of the door attachment portion of the base frame to pass thereto, and at least one guiding projection and/or at least one guiding channel portion for providing at least part of a guiding channel for routing and/or guiding at least one harness from the vehicle to an electric component of the rear view device, and/or at least one sealing portion for covering at least a portion of the at least one harness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: Motherson Innovations Company Limited
    Inventors: Callum Scott-Collins, Jakub Spychala, Kane Connor, Graham Rehill
  • Patent number: 11874458
    Abstract: In a mirror unit, a first wall portion is higher than a second wall portion. A window member is disposed on a top surface of the first wall portion and a top surface of the second wall portion and is inclined with respect to a mirror surface. When any one of first to fourth wall portions is set as a first reference wall portion, in a cross-section perpendicular to the first reference wall portion, a first line passing through a first end at a side of the first reference wall portion in the mirror surface and a first corner portion formed at the side of the first reference wall portion by an outer surface and a first side surface in the window member intersects the first wall portion. A wiring portion includes a portion extending inside a base and leads outside a frame member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: HAMAMATSU PHOTONICS K.K.
    Inventors: Daiki Suzuki, Tomoyuki Ide, Yuki Morinaga
  • Patent number: 11865973
    Abstract: A housing for a rear view element of a rear view device for a vehicle includes a scalp portion including a first circumferential edge being c-shaped extending at least partially around an opening of the scalp portion, a lower casing portion including a second circumferential edge being c-shaped extending at least partially around an opening of the lower casing portion, and a bezel including a third circumferential edge having a lip portion extending at least partially around the bezel section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: SMR Patents S.à.r.l.
    Inventors: Thomas Baggi, Francis Charlet, David Gaskin, Andrew Lettis, Benjamin Bruhin, Wilfried Bonny
  • Patent number: 11860445
    Abstract: An actuator for driving a reflector includes a movement frame, a first support frame, a first drive coil, a first rotation guide and a first ball. The movement frame includes a reflector configured to reflect or refract light to a lens and a first magnet. The first support frame is configured to provide a space of the movement frame to move. The first drive coil is configured to generate an electromagnetic force in the first magnet to rotationally move the movement frame in a first direction based on the first support frame. The first rotation guide is arranged between the movement frame and the first support frame and has an arc shape so that the movement frame rotates in the first direction. The first ball is arranged inside the first rotation guide, wherein a center of curvature of the first rotation guide corresponds to a center of rotation of the reflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: JAHWA ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chul Soon Park, In Soo Kang, Je Seung Yeon, Soo Young Yoon, Jaeseon Lee, Hyeonik Cho
  • Patent number: 11858314
    Abstract: An automatic driving vehicle that is automatically movable, the automatic driving vehicle includes a LIDAR configured to acquire external world information on an automatic movement, and a bracket holding the LIDAR and fixed to the automatic driving vehicle. The bracket is fixed to a rearview mirror which is as another device different from the LIDAR.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shohei Iwamoto, Tadahiro Matori, Shingo Nakayama
  • Patent number: 11851004
    Abstract: A vehicular exterior rearview mirror assembly includes a mirror head and a mounting base configured for attachment at a side of a vehicle. The mirror head includes a mirror casing and a reflective element. The vehicular exterior rearview mirror assembly includes a turn signal indicator. The turn signal indicator, with the mounting base of the vehicular exterior rearview mirror assembly attached at the side of the vehicle, and responsive to actuation by a driver of the vehicle of a turn signal of the vehicle, projects a turn signal icon onto the ground proximate the side of the vehicle. The turn signal indicator may be disposed at a lower region of the mirror casing and may intermittently project a direction-indicating icon or shape onto the ground, with the direction-indicating shape indicating a direction away from the side of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: MAGNA MIRRORS OF AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Justin E. Sobecki, Kenneth C. Peterson, Darryl P. De Wind, Jake A. Mohan, Matthew V. Steffes, Eric S Deuel
  • Patent number: 11835716
    Abstract: A mirror unit includes an optical scanning device, a frame member, and a window member. The frame member includes first and second wall portions facing each other in an X-axis direction. The first wall portion is higher than the second wall portion. The window member is disposed on a top surface of the first wall portion and a top surface of the second wall portion and is inclined with respect to a mirror surface of the optical scanning device. In a cross-section parallel to the X-axis direction, the first wall portion is separated from a first line passing through a first end at a side of the first wall portion in the mirror surface and a first corner portion formed at the side of the first wall portion by an outer surface opposite to the frame member and a first side surface in the window member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2023
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: HAMAMATSU PHOTONICS K.K.
    Inventors: Daiki Suzuki, Tomoyuki Ide, Yuki Morinaga
  • Patent number: 11835405
    Abstract: A force measuring plate having a planar regular arrangement of force measuring cells. A force measuring cell is formed in a hole in the force measuring plate, in which hole precisely one planar element which is secured by springs in a self-supporting fashion is arranged and is oriented so as to run parallel to the force measuring plate. Each spring is connected in a materially joined fashion at a first end to the edge of a hole and at a second end to the edge of a planar element. The force measuring plate, the springs and the planar elements are formed from the same material. Each planar element can be elastically deflected in three spatial directions under the effect of a force. There is a linear relationship between the deflection and the force. In addition, the invention relates to a device for determining forces in the piconewton to nanonewton ranges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: Universitaet Heidelberg
    Inventors: Hendrikje Neumann, Christine Selhuber-Unkel, Eckhard Quandt
  • Patent number: 11833970
    Abstract: The disclosure refers to an internal rearview device (1) adapted for use with a motor vehicle, comprising: a rearview element comprising at least one of a reflective element (10) and a display element, with the rearview element having a normal state and at least one anti-glare state, in which a glare experienced by a driver of the vehicle as a result of light reflected at the rearview element is reduced; a bezel (32) surrounding the rearview element and being surrounded by a housing (60); control means comprising sensor means connected to at least one printed circuit board (40, 50), which is arranged between the housing (60) and the rearview element, for controlling at least the state of the rearview element; and a mount assembly (70) which is configured to attach the housing (60) to the vehicle; wherein the perimeter edge (31) of the bezel (32) is exposed to and is viewable by the driver of the vehicle when said device (1) is normally mounted in the vehicle; said perimeter edge (31) comprises a curved surfac
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: Motherson Innovations Company Limited
    Inventors: Andreas Herrmann, Chang Kyun Han, Cheol Ho Yim, Ho Jin Huh, Won Sik Hong, Geon Young Choi, Chang Hwan Lim, Freshipali Ali
  • Patent number: 11794649
    Abstract: A rearview device for a motor vehicle includes a moveable head assembly, an actuator assembly having a fixed part and a moveable part, the moveable part being attached to the head assembly, a motor cradle configured to attach the actuator assembly to the moveable head assembly. A method of assembling a rearview device comprises providing the rearview device and attaching the actuator assembly to the moveable head assembly using the motor cradle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: SMR Patents S.à.r.l.
    Inventors: Andrew Lettis, Graham Rehill, Callum Scott-Collins
  • Patent number: 11789367
    Abstract: A facet mirror for an illumination optical unit of a projection exposure apparatus has a large number of displaceable individual facets with a facet main body and a reflection surface arranged on it. At least some of the individual facets have a displacement range such that they come into contact with a stop surface in one or more displacement positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss SMT GmbH
    Inventors: Willi Anderl, Christian Körner, Hubert Holderer, Markus Holz, Manuel Stompe, Stefan Seitz
  • Patent number: 11780372
    Abstract: A vehicular driver monitoring system includes an interior rearview mirror assembly having a driver monitoring camera and first and second near-infrared light emitting elements accommodated by a mirror head. The light emitting elements are oriented at the mirror head so that (i) a beam of light emitted by the first light emitting element would be directed toward a driver's region of a left hand drive vehicle if the mirror assembly were installed in the LHD vehicle, and (ii) a beam of light emitted by the second light emitting element would be directed toward a driver's region of a right hand drive vehicle if the mirror assembly were installed in the RHD vehicle. The system enables and/or operates the first or second light emitting element for a driver monitoring function responsive to indication that the mirror assembly is installed or will be installed in a LHD vehicle or a RHD vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignees: MAGNA MIRRORS OF AMERICA, INC., MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Justin E. Sobecki, Austen C. Peterson, Gregory A. Huizen, James A. Ruse, Yuesheng Lu, Martin Solar
  • Patent number: 11780370
    Abstract: A vehicular driver monitoring system includes an interior rearview mirror assembly having a mirror head adjustably attached at a mounting base configured to attach at an interior portion of a vehicle. A driver monitoring camera is accommodated by the mirror head so as to move in tandem with the mirror head when the mirror head is adjusted relative to the mounting base to adjust a driver's rearward view. At least one near infrared light emitter is accommodated by the mirror head and is operable to emit near infrared light toward a head region of the driver of the vehicle. Image data captured by the driver monitoring camera is processed to determine driver attentiveness and/or driver drowsiness. The vehicular driver monitoring system adjusts processing of the captured image data to accommodate adjustment of the mirror head when the driver adjusts the mirror head to adjust his or her rearward view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: Magna Mirrors of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Austen C. Peterson, Gregory A. Huizen
  • Patent number: 11780380
    Abstract: A rearview device for a vehicle (17) includes at least one sensor for detecting information of the environment of the vehicle, where the rearview device is attachable to the supporting structure of the vehicle by using at least one first fastening device, and the rearview device includes at least one arm which is rotatably mounted by the first fastening device about at least one first axis of rotation which has at least one vertical component about at least one first pivot point for a first rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: Motherson Innovations Company Limited
    Inventors: Hans-Dieter Pomparew, Arne Schmierer, Stefan Andrei
  • Patent number: 11772558
    Abstract: A support for connecting a rear-view mirror to a vehicle, including on vehicles suitable for towing a trailer, includes a connecting device to the vehicle, a supporting device of the rear-view mirror, and a device to movably connect the supporting device to the vehicle, which connecting deice allows the supporting device to be moved to any position between a respective retracted position, with respect to the connection device, particularly in which the rear-view mirror is nearest to the vehicle, and a respective extended position, with respect to the same connecting device, particularly in which the same rear-view mirror is furthest from the same vehicle, wherein the connecting device has a plurality of pairs of surfaces for a slidable engagement to corresponding pairs of surfaces of the connecting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: S.M.A.T. NORD S.R.L.
    Inventor: Gianfranco Ambrosi
  • Patent number: 11760265
    Abstract: This invention refers to a fixation assembly corresponding to the mounting structure of an wing mirror, where such mounting is carried out in such a way that one part of the fixation assembly, the mirror actuator, is mounted on another part of the assembly, which is the bracket that forms part of the mounting base of the said assembly, which is attached to the door/body of the vehicle by inserting the rotation shaft into the bracket, being able to rotate the base of said rotation shaft inside the bracket and making its fixed positioning at one point in its rotation and blocking the further rotation to prevent its exit from said fixed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: COMPAÑÍA LEVANTINA DE REDUCTORES, S.L.
    Inventors: Vicente Martin Pina, Arturo Picó Anotlí, Gonzalo Sobrino Málaga, Jorge Palacios Cortés, José Manuel Barroso Ossorio
  • Patent number: 11753038
    Abstract: An electrical resistance of a lamp in communication with a computer is determined. A respective classification for each of the electrical resistance, a vehicle length, and a trailer length is determined. Each classification is associated to a respective range of values of one of the electrical resistance, the vehicle length, or the trailer length. Based on the classifications a trailer that is attached to a vehicle is detected. One or more components of the vehicle are actuated to move the trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: J. Elias Ruiz, Sergio Becerril, Mijail Avila, Veronica Garza, Cesar Sanchez Razo
  • Patent number: 11737236
    Abstract: A knockdown water-cooling module latch device structure is assembled and connected with a water-cooling module. The knockdown water-cooling module latch device structure includes a latch device assembly having multiple latch members. The multiple latch members are correspondingly assembled and connected with each other around the water-cooling module to form the knockdown water-cooling module latch device structure, whereby the water-cooling module is framed in the latch device assembly. The knockdown water-cooling module latch device structure can be conveniently assembled and has high assembling freeness and better structural strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: ASIA VITAL COMPONENTS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kuan-Lin Huang, Jun-Chun Chiu
  • Patent number: 11689119
    Abstract: A variable stiffening device that includes a flexible envelope having a fluid chamber, a dielectric fluid housed within the fluid chamber, and an electrode stack that includes a plurality of electrodes and one or more abrasive strips. The electrode stack is housed within the fluid chamber and is configured to receive voltage. In addition, the one or more abrasive strips are each positioned between adjacent electrodes, such that when voltage is applied to the electrode stack thereby electrostatically drawing adjacent electrodes together, the one or more abrasive strips generate frictional engagement between adjacent electrodes to actuate the variable stiffening device from a relaxed state to a rigid state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael P. Rowe
  • Patent number: 11680493
    Abstract: A compression fitting is provided. The compression fitting may include a body, a follower, and a pin, and a cap nut. The follower may be disposed within an axial cavity of the body. The pin may be coupled with the follower. The cap nut may be coupled with the body. An internal edge of the cap nut radially overlaps at least a portion of a forward edge of the pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: Raytheon Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Alexander S. Langer, Marcus Damien Baltrucki, Corey A. Benoit
  • Patent number: 11675160
    Abstract: An apparatus that extends a field-of-view (FOV) of a camera of a camera device. For instance, the apparatus may include a frame and a visor. The frame may include a first side portion, a second side portion, a top portion, a bottom portion, and an opening for receiving a front of the camera device. The visor may include a first support that extends from the first side member, a second support that extends from the second side member, and a transverse member that extends between the first support and the second support. When the apparatus is attached to the camera device, the traverse member is located at least partly within the FOV of the camera. Additionally, the traverse member includes a mirror that reflects light from below and just in front of the camera device to the camera. This way, the FOV of the camera includes the area below and just in front of the camera device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew J. England
  • Patent number: 11673515
    Abstract: An articulated stand including a first part and a second part. The first part is configured for holding an electronic device. The first part includes a ball pivot with a chamber and a connector. The chamber defined through the ball pivot. The connector accommodated at least partially in the chamber. The connector configured to electrically connect with a cable connector. The second part including a ball housing portion receiving the ball pivot to form a ball joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: Aptiv Technologies Limited.
    Inventors: Artur Boron, Grzegorz Szostek
  • Patent number: 11674275
    Abstract: A retractable cylindrical safety marker is provided. The retractable cylindrical safety marker includes a base, having a middle section defining an upper planar surface and two opposing edges; a first end section rotatably attached at an end to one of the opposing edges; and a second end section rotatably attached at an end to the other of the opposing edges, and a vertical riser, having a lower riser having a lower end attached to the first end section and the second end section, the lower riser having a slot extending along its interior surface in the longitudinal direction; and at least one upper riser concentrically positioned within the lower riser, the upper riser having a tab positioned on an outer surface thereof, the tab being mateable with the slot and configured to permit the tab to translate along the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Inventor: John Tipaldo
  • Patent number: 11661017
    Abstract: An actuator for adjusting a display terminal and a vehicle are provided. The actuator includes: a mounting unit configured to mount a display terminal; a clutch unit, a first engaging portion of the clutch unit being connected to the mounting unit, and a second engaging portion of the clutch unit being normally interlocked with the first engaging portion; and a drive unit, an output end of the drive unit being connected to the second engaging portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: BYD COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventors: Sheng Bai, Xiaoru Zhang, Chao Cui, Xiaowen Wang
  • Patent number: 11655140
    Abstract: A micro-electro-mechanical device is formed by a fixed structure having a cavity. A tiltable structure is elastically suspended over the cavity and has a main extension in a tiltable plane and is rotatable about a rotation axis parallel to the tiltable plane. A piezoelectric actuation structure includes first and second driving arms carrying respective piezoelectric material regions and extending on opposite sides of the rotation axis. The first and the second driving arms are rigidly coupled to the fixed structure and are elastically coupled to the tiltable structure. During operation, a stop structure limits movements of the tiltable structure with respect to the actuation structure along a planar direction perpendicular to the rotation axis. The stop structure has a first planar stop element formed between the first driving arm and the tiltable structure and a second planar stop element formed between the second driving arm and the tiltable structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.
    Inventors: Nicolo' Boni, Roberto Carminati, Massimiliano Merli
  • Patent number: 11634076
    Abstract: A vehicular exterior rearview mirror assembly includes a mirror head movably attached at a mounting base configured for mounting at a side of a vehicle. The mirror head includes a mirror casing and a mirror reflective element. An actuator is operable to move the mirror head relative to the mounting base between at least an extended position and a folded position. The actuator includes a first detent interface that is engaged to maintain the mirror head at the folded or extended position when the mirror head is moved via the actuator to that position. The actuator includes a second detent interface that is engaged to maintain the mirror head at the folded or extended position when the mirror head is manually moved to that position. The second detent interface is not engaged while the actuator moves the mirror head between the folded position and the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: MAGNA MIRRORS OF AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Kenneth C. Peterson, Mitchell J. Wesley
  • Patent number: 11634077
    Abstract: A vehicular exterior rearview mirror assembly includes a mirror head pivotally mounted at a mounting arm configured for attachment at a side of a vehicle. The mirror head includes a reflective element. A powerfold actuator is operable to pivot the mirror head relative to the mounting arm between at least a folded position and a drive position. The powerfold actuator includes a primary detent that is engaged to maintain the mirror head at the drive position when the mirror head is pivoted via the powerfold actuator to the drive position. The powerfold actuator includes a secondary detent. Following pivoting via the powerfold actuator of the mirror head to the folded position, when the mirror head is manually pivoted from the folded position to the drive position, the primary detent is disengaged and the secondary detent is engaged to maintain the mirror head at the drive position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: MAGNA MIRRORS OF AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Kenneth C. Peterson, Mitchell J. Wesley
  • Patent number: 11634079
    Abstract: Disclosed are devices, systems, and methods for a LiDAR mirror assembly mounted on a vehicle, such as an autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle. For example, a LiDAR mirror assembly may include a base plate mounted on a hood of a vehicle, where the base plate is coupled to one end of a support arm. The opposite end of the support arm is attached to a housing. The housing includes a top housing enclosure coupled to a bottom housing platform, where a sensor and a mirror is coupled to the housing, and where the sensor is at least partially exposed through an opening in the top housing enclosure. The opening for the sensor is situated near an end of the housing furthest away from the base plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: TUSIMPLE, INC.
    Inventors: Juexiao Ning, Todd Skinner, Jeffrey Renn
  • Patent number: 11628772
    Abstract: A vehicular exterior rearview mirror assembly includes a powerfold actuator electrically operable to pivot a mirror head relative to a mounting base. The actuator includes a biasing element disposed between an upper housing and an upper end of a pivot tube and releasably retains the powerfold actuator in at least one detent state. An upper detent is disposed radially outboard of the pivot tube and radially inboard of an output gear and a lower detent, and the upper detent includes a detent lip that engages an upper detent surface of the lower detent. When the actuator is in a primary detent state, a spring load path of the biasing element is through the output gear and lower detent to the base. When the actuator is in a secondary detent state, the spring load path is through the detent lip of the upper detent and lower detent to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: MAGNA MIRRORS OF AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Matthew V. Steffes, Mitchell J. Wesley
  • Patent number: 11628769
    Abstract: A vehicle mirror system for a vehicle coupled to a trailer is provided. The vehicle mirror system includes first and second mirror assemblies configured to be located on first and second sides of the vehicle, a trailer angle sensor for sensing a hitch angle between the trailer and the vehicle, and a controller for controlling actuation of the first mirror assembly to control a first viewing window of the first mirror assembly for a driver of the vehicle, wherein the first mirror assembly is adjusted to redirect the viewing window to track a feature on the trailer as the trailer articulates relative to the vehicle based on the hitch angle. The second mirror assembly may be controlled to move inwards and downwards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Erick Michael Lavoie, Stuart C. Salter, Annette Lynn Huebner, Paul Kenneth Dellock, Marguerite Lynn Kimball
  • Patent number: 11623569
    Abstract: The present invention refers to a rotating mechanism for an wing mirror, wherein this rotating mechanism enables the wing mirror to be moved, at least, between the positions habitually known as the park and drive positions in a motorised and/or manual manner, which has an elastic system on the independent lifting of the pressure system function for the union of the set of parts of the mechanism in the pivot element, having a set of simplified parts, for fewer costs and efficiency purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: COMPAÑÍA LEVANTINA DE REDUCTORES, S.L.
    Inventors: Vicente Martin Pina, Arturo Picó Anotlí, Jorge Palacios Cortés, José Manuel Barroso Ossorio
  • Patent number: 11618385
    Abstract: A mirror assembly for vehicle is disclosed. The mirror assembly includes a housing, a retaining rim, and a mirror lens that is secured between the housing and the retaining rim. In one embodiment, the mirror has a visual indicator mounted to the retaining rim or housing. When an object or pedestrian is detected in a lane next to or in front of a vehicle, the visual indicator provides light signals or other type of warning to an operator driving the vehicle. In one embodiment, the mirror assembly has a speaker mounted to the housing. When an object or pedestrian is detected in a lane next to or in front of the vehicle, the speaker provides audio signals to warn an operator driving the vehicle. In another embodiment, the mirror assembly includes a housing, a shield attached to the housing, a mirror lens, and a visual indicator securely located, for example, in a channel of the shield, retaining rim and/or housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: ROSCO, INC.
    Inventors: Benjamin Englander, Julian Serer, Michael Lipani, John Polimeni
  • Patent number: 11590895
    Abstract: The invention relates to an actuator mechanism (1) for adjusting the orientation of a mirror element in an exterior mirror unit of a vehicle. The mechanism comprises an electric motor (9, 10) with a driving shaft (11, 12), a drive train (13, 14), and a movable mirror adjusting element (5, 6) coupled via the drive train to the driving shaft of the electric motor. Also, the actuator mechanism comprises an actuator frame (2) which carries the electric motor, the drive train and the mirror adjusting element. The driving shaft of the electric motor is bearing mounted in the actuator frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: MCi (Mirror Controls International) Netherlands B.V.
    Inventors: Stefan Fritz Brouwer, Bastiaan Huijzers
  • Patent number: 11554719
    Abstract: A vehicular rearview mirror assembly includes an electrochromic reflective element having front and rear glass substrates with an electrochromic medium disposed therebetween. The front glass substrate includes a specularly reflective perimeter layer at least partially around a perimeter border region of the rear side of the front glass substrate. At least one light source is disposed behind the perimeter layer. With the vehicular rearview mirror assembly mounted at the vehicle and when the at least one light source is electrically powered, the at least one light source emits light that passes through the perimeter border region of the second side of the front glass substrate and that is visible to a viewer viewing the first side of the front glass substrate of the electrochromic reflective element at the perimeter layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: MAGNA MIRRORS OF AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Michael J. Baur, Ian A. McCabe, Hamid Habibi, Niall R. Lynam
  • Patent number: 11543522
    Abstract: A work machine includes a frame, a sensor assembly, and an ultrasonic sensor. The frame includes a first portion and a second portion that includes a front bumper and is configured to pivot with respect to the first portion for steering the work machine. The sensor assembly is positioned on the first portion or the second portion of the frame and is configured to sense data for detection of obstacles within a first area around the work machine. The ultrasonic sensor is positioned on the front bumper of the second portion and is configured to sense data for detection of obstacles within a second area around the work machine, the second area outside the first area when the second portion is in an articulated position with respect to the first portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Todd A. Impola, Timothy M. O'Donnell
  • Patent number: 11535157
    Abstract: A rearview device having a housing that defines a cavity. The rearview device additionally includes an electro-optic element. In some embodiments, the housing may comprise a peripheral flange. The peripheral flange may have a mounting surface and a lip. The electro-optic element may be associated with the mounting surface. Further, the lip may substantially circumscribe the electro-optic element. In other embodiments, the rearview device may further comprise a mounting assembly having one or more mechanical fastener acceptors. One or more mechanical fasteners may be received by the mechanical fastener acceptors and extend through holes both in a holder and a circuit board disposed in the cavity. In yet other embodiments, the one or more mechanical fasteners may be received by the mechanical fastener acceptors and extend through and be supported by a washer disposed in the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Danny L. Minikey, Jr., Eric S. Sloterbeek, Elliot M. Busta, Christopher D. Pollack, Jeffery E. Irvin, Joel D. Geerlings
  • Patent number: 11527848
    Abstract: A grommet includes a body, which has a block shape with a wire passing hole formed by perforation, and a guide, which extends from one end of the body at a predetermined angle and has a guide hole formed by perforation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: HYUNDAI MOBIS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yeong Woo Seo, Yul Kyu Son, Hye Seong Yang
  • Patent number: 11505126
    Abstract: The present invention includes a shaft, a gear case, a cover, a motor, and a rotational force transmission mechanism. The gear case has an upright wall. The cover has a fitting wall and a cover wall. The upright wall and the fitting wall are provided with a fitting member. The fitting member includes a fitting protruding unit, and an elastically deformable fitting piece having a fitting opening unit. As a result, the present invention can sufficiently reduce the number of parts and can surely prevent the cover from rattling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: Ichikoh Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Ikuo Sakata
  • Patent number: 11479164
    Abstract: A sealing means of a pivot joint system between a base assembly and a head assembly of a rear view device, including a two-component pivot seal including a hard component including at least one of one or more attachment and holding means for at least one of attachment of the sealing means to the base assembly and holding at least one cable, and a soft component. A base assembly and a rearview device are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: Motherson Innovations Company Limited
    Inventors: Andrew Lettis, Callum Scott-Collins, Graham Rehill
  • Patent number: 11483514
    Abstract: A vehicular vision system includes a camera module having an imaging array and spectral filtering at the imaging array. With the camera module attached at an in-cabin side of a vehicle windshield, the imaging array of the camera module views through the windshield and forward of the equipped vehicle. Image data captured by the imaging array is provided to and processed at an ECU for at least two driving assist systems of the vehicle. The captured image data is temporarily saved in volatile memory. Responsive to occurrence of an emergency event, image data captured by the imaging array of the camera module is saved in non-volatile memory. The captured image data saved in non-volatile memory includes (i) captured image data temporarily saved in volatile memory prior to the occurrence of the emergency event and (ii) image data captured for a period of time after the occurrence of the emergency event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventor: Christopher L. Van Dan Elzen
  • Patent number: 11479179
    Abstract: A camera mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a folding unit configured to be rotated with respect to a fixed shaft formed in a base provided in the vehicle; and a support frame in which the folding unit and a camera are mounted at both ends thereof, wherein the support frame is configured to be folded or unfolded to change a position of the camera as the folding unit rotates. Further, the folding unit includes a driving housing, a driving portion, a driven gear portion fixed to the fixed shaft, and a driving force transfer portion for transferring a driving force of the driving portion to the driven gear portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: SL Mirrortech Corporation
    Inventors: Yong-Hwan Kim, Yeong-Kook Cho, Yong-Hei Kim